Hey Everyone!

 I replaced my breaks like 2 months ago and they need replacing again which I think is g**h. They still work because I remember hitting them when some parking attendant decided to cross the road without looking (SURELY they should know) and the front break nearly threw me off! 

 1/ I think they might need replacing because my wheel is really grooved due to not replacing the previous ones and therefore it was pretty much metal touching metal. Is it safe to just sandpaper the side of my wheel (The metal bit obviously) to smooth it out and stop the new breaks wearing out so fast?

 2/ How much should I be spending on breaks? (V brakes)

 3/ Do breaks wear out faster if you break hard or if you break slowly? 

Thanks guys 

I have been cycling along now for a good 6 months in London and not heard much stuff - I have had the occasional "oi you little p***k" and "f*****g cyclists"

I want to hear some quotes of some of the intelligent things that have been shouted at you whilst cycling along!